NBC Adds Texas Church Drama Pilot From EP David Janollari

Former MTV head of programming David Janollari‘s first season back as a producer has already borne fruit.

The Universal Television-based Janollari has landed his first pilot order under his three-year overall deal with the studio, with NBC picking up Texas church hour Salvation.

The entry is described as a provocative drama set against the backdrop of a prominent Texas church where faith, family and corruption are explored in equal measure. The pilot centers on Jennifer Strickland, who has to defend her children, church and religious beliefs after her husband dies under mysterious circumstances.

STORY: TV Pilots 2014: The Complete Guide

Salvation hails from writer Liz Heldens and brings the showrunner back into the NBC fold after her freshman entries Deception and summer dramedy Camp were canceled after one season at the network last year. She’ll executive produce the hour alongside Janollari.

Salvation marked one of multiple script sales Janollari had this season. The pilot will also bring him back into the NBC fold, where his former producing partner Bob Greenblatt serves as entertainment chairman.

It marks the seventh drama pilot ordered at NBC so far this pilot season and joins Babylon Fields, Coercion, Constantine, Mysteries of Laura, Odyssey and Tin Man.

Email: Lesley.Goldberg@THR.com
Twitter: @Snoodit